System of enabling or disabling a communication device and related methods

ABSTRACT

The disclosed technology contemplates use of a communication device in public without a user&#39;s voice being overheard by the public. In certain situations, public use of a communication device, even when the conversation is private, may not be appropriate. So, a preferred embodiment of the disclosed technology involves a system of enabling or disabling a communication device. Some embodiments may include computer hardware and memory with voice-recognition software that is configured to receive a user&#39;s spoken voice during a test conversation, analyze the voice for its hertz spectrums evident in the test conversation, and subsequently employ the data during active noise cancelation. Suitably, this voice recognized noise cancelation or active noise cancelation via voice algorithm can be used to actively noise cancel a user&#39;s voice in a manner that is specifically tailored to the user by directing the sound source to provide an inverted signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the user&#39;s actual voice. In one embodiment, the voice algorithm allows a digital CPU to anticipate the manner, including tonality, rhythm, and cadence, of a user&#39;s speaking and predict an appropriately inverted signal so that noise is substantially canceled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/422,415(filed Feb. 1, 2017. U.S. application Ser. No. 15/422,415 is acontinuation-in-part (“CIP”) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/364,254 (filed Nov. 29, 2016) for “Anti-Noise canceling headset andrelated methods.”

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/577,839 (filed Dec. 19, 2014) for “Ergonomictubular anechoic chambers for use with a communication device andrelated methods.”

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/364,254 is a continuation in part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/979,265 (filed Dec. 22, 2015).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/979,265 (filed Dec. 22, 2015) is aCIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/943,856 (filed Nov. 17,2015), Ser. No. 14/740,129 (filed Jun. 15, 2015), and Ser. No.14/577,839 (filed Dec. 19, 2014).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/943,856 (filed Nov. 17, 2015) is aCIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/740,129 (filed Jun. 15, 2015)and Ser. No. 14/577,839 (filed Dec. 19, 2014).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/740,129 (filed Jun. 15, 2015) is aCIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/577,839 (filed Dec. 19,2014).

This application is also a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/577,839 (filed Dec. 19, 2014) for “Ergonomic tubular anechoicchambers for use with a communication device and related methods.”

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/577,839 is a CIP of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/280,523 (filed May 16, 2016) and claims thebenefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. Nos. 61/949,239 (filed Mar. 7,2014), 61/949,234 (filed Mar. 6, 2014), and 61/941,306 (filed Feb. 18,2014).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/280,523 (filed May 16, 2016) is nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,948,411 and claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App.Ser. Nos. 61/949,239 (filed Mar. 7, 2014), 61/949,234 (filed Mar. 6,2014), and 61/941,306 (filed Feb. 18, 2014).

All of the documents referenced in this section of “CROSS-REFERENCE TORELATED APPLICATIONS” are hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BYREFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of communication headsets.More specifically, the subject matter of this paper is in the field ofcommunication headsets that conceal sounds made by the wearer. Thispaper may also disclose headset structures that are ergonomical orotherwise comfortable to the wearer. The subject matter of this writtendescription is further in the field of devices for containing, absorbingand directing noise from a sound source while deflecting, absorbing andreflecting ambient noise. The subject matter of this disclosure is alsoin the field of systems and methods for maintaining privacy or avoidingpublic disruption during use of a communication device such as atelephone, mobile phone, two-way radio, and the like.

Background of the Invention

Mobile and fixed line communication devices (“communication devices”),such as cellular phones, two-way radios, or home phones, have becomeubiquitous. In fact, some reports show telephone use by eighty sevenpercent of the global population. The commonality of these devices hasresulted in their public use within the local vicinity of others.Conventional communication devices are not always suitable for publicuse. First, use of a conventional communication device in public oftenrequires the user to expose the private details of a communication toothers within the local vicinity. Even when a user retreats to asecluded location, the communications are subject to eavesdropping(e.g., by parabolic microphone, binoculars for lip reading, laser soundpick-up devices, and other distance eavesdropping devices). Subjectingthe details of a secret or private communication to others isparticularly concerning when such details involve matters of nationalsecurity (e.g., details concerning FBI, CIA, diplomats, fire station,police, or military matters). Second, ambient noises in public areas canfrequently disrupt a communication. For instance, ambient noise canfrequently make it difficult for the user of the communication device toreceive clear communications on the communication devices or to speakunderstandable commands to a device's computer assistant employing voicerecognizing software (e.g., SIRI® as utilized by the iPhone®). Thus, aneed exists for apparatus and related methods for maintaining theprivacy and clarity of communications over communication devices whileavoiding the disturbance of others in the vicinity.

In view of the foregoing, many have proposed apparatus for enhancingprivacy and clarity of communication devices while avoiding thedisturbance of others nearby. These proposed apparatus involve coveringthe mouth or ear with a communication device so that a chamber iscreated over the mouth or ear in an attempt to confine the communicativesounds while blocking ambient noise. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.7,564,968, US. Pub. App. No. 2011/0136535, U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,140, U.S.Pat. No. 8,778,062, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,515,708 disclose apparatus thatare positioned over or in front of a mouth. Although capable of limitedmuffling of communicative sounds produced by the user of a communicationdevice, these devices are not capable of capturing all of thecommunicative sounds of a device user that would otherwise beintelligible to those in the nearby vicinity. While some of thesedevices are capable of blocking small amounts of the direct field ofcommunicative sounds, they are frequently inadequate for containing themore intense reverberant fields of the human speech sounds, for example,the reverberant fields of a male voice can be as low as eighty Megahertz(MHz). This functional inadequacy is the result of two factors. First,the materials (or lack thereof) employed are not capable of absorbingenough of the communicative sound to render the communicationunintelligible to eavesdroppers. Second, the chambers are not air-tight(particularly at any interface between the apparatus and the user's face(specifically, the ear and mouth)). When a chamber and related parts ofthe device are not air-tight, the direct or reverberant fields of thenear-field (sounds in close proximity to the sound source) communicativesound (which is an acoustic sound wave through air) can leak out fromthe chamber before being totally absorbed by the chamber walls. Evenwhen such apparatus initially form a seal around the mouth of a user,these seals can be upset by either (1) the sound air pressure oracoustic particle velocity of the communicative sound's near field soundenergy (which are much more extreme than direct or reverberant fields)or (2) misalignment of the mouth and chamber near the upper and lowerlips (i.e., the menton-subnasale length, bitragoin-subnasale arc area,and bitragoin-menton arc area) during movements of a user's face duringnormal speech. Misalignment along the menton-subnasale length,bitragoin-subnasale arc area, and bitragoin-menton arc area isparticularly problematic when an apparatus must simultaneously providemouth and ear coverings during use because these devices allow the earcoverings to operate despite misalignment along the menton-subnasalelength area, bitragoin-subnasale arc area, or bitragoin-menton arcduring movements of a user's face whereby a user may not even realizethat sound from a private communication is being released. Even theslightest release of sound can be concerning during extremely sensitivecommunications over a communication device, for instance, duringdoctor-patient communications, lawyer-client communications,stockbroker-investor communications, interfamily communications, orcommunications involving national security. Furthermore, these devicesare not substantially available for blocking ambient noise and thusclarity of communication using these devices can be compromised.

Other apparatus for enhancing privacy or clarity of communicationinvolve a user facemask for creating a chamber over the mouth of a user.See, e.g., US Pub. Pat. No. 2007/0127659, U.S. Pat. No. 8,234,944, U.S.Pat. No. 7,783,034, and CN Pat. No. 2262732. However, these types ofapparatus suffer from the drawbacks mentioned above, with the additionalproblem of being attention calling. Frequently, participants of aprivate communication, like national security agency members, do notwant additional attention drawn to them by their communication deviceduring sensitive telephone communications. Additionally: none of thesefacemask apparatus allow the user to breath freely while being usedwithout taking the device away from their face; none of the prior arthave a controlled direction of airflow with sound energy to exit out thedevice in a controlled manner, with the users air from speech passingacross a microphone without the intake air passing by the microphone sono acoustic interference will occur with the microphone; and none of theprior art use materials that are technically able to absorb the low basefrequencies i.e. modelling clay that does not dry out and remainsmalleable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this disclosure to describean apparatus for maintaining the privacy and clarity of communicationsover devices and sounds of musical instruments or voices. It is anotherobjective to disclose such apparatus without the drawbacks identifiedabove. Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide a substantiallyair-tight chamber over a sound source while absorbing relatively allfrequency fields of speech, singing, or instrument sounds from the soundsource. In some embodiments, active noise control or active noisecancelation means (“ANC means”) are provided to the device. Said meansinclude a sound source for the addition of sound specifically designedto cancel noise within the anechoic chamber. Although it may bedifficult to accept that adding two sounds 180 degrees out of phase canresult in zero sound, it is important to remember that sound is acompression wave that compresses to an amount greater than normal airpressure. There are so many frequencies in sound, it is impossible tocancel them all out. A preferred embodiment of the disclosed systemfeatures an electronic system that selects a narrow band of frequenciesto cancel them using a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Suitably, the DSPdoes not result in one hundred percent (100%) cancellation of noise, butother sound absorption from the anechoic chamber or other components canblock sounds at other frequencies.

In general, the devices feature: anechoic chambers that are configuredto receive a sound source in an air-tight manner; ANC means (e.g., aDSP) for reducing unwanted sound by the addition of a second soundwithin said anechoic chambers; and anechoic channels that are in fluidcommunication with the ambient environment. Preferably, the anechoicchannels allows air flow out of the anechoic chambers. Suitably, theanechoic chambers are adapted to capture air containing sound energygenerated by the sound source (e.g., human voice), and distribute theair about internal anechoic acoustical surface areas on the inside ofthe chambers, wherein the internal surface areas are maximized andsufficiently large to dampen or otherwise absorb the sound energy. Theamount of sound energy absorbed by the anechoic chambers can be reducedvia the presence of an ANC means (like an antiphase/anti-noise speaker)for reducing the sound energy in the captured air by providing theaddition of a second out of phase sound to within the anechoic chamber.Placement of a user's face inside the sealed area also acts to absorbsound waves in the anechoic chamber. Preferably, the deenergized air isdirected from the near-field anechoic sound chamber through a Helmholtzresonator or other tubular anechoic channel extending therefrom to theambient atmosphere to further dampen or absorb and contain the soundenergy. Once sound energy is absorbed from the anechoic chambers, theair preferably exhausts from the apparatus substantially free of anysound energy. This feature permits a user to pass fresh air into thechamber via an air intake mechanism without pressure buildup as theuser's sound containing air is vented out of the anechoic channel orHelmholtz resonator. The Helmholtz resonator design preferably “tunes”the exhaust air so the voice energy sound that leaves is less than 100hz (i.e., just below the hearing threshold). In one configuration, theouter wall of the apparatus is configured to reflect ambient sounds. Inanother embodiment, the apparatus features an ear sealed chamber to keepambient sounds out of a user's ear.

It is yet a further objective to disclose devices that provide anair-tight chamber over the mouth and ear of a user while absorbing allmegahertz frequency fields of communicative sounds by male and femalespeakers. In one embodiment, the device is defined by: an anechoicchamber with a mouth opening plus an anechoic channel for dampeningacoustics about a receiver portion of a communication device; anantiphase/anti-noise speaker disposed within the anechoic chamber; andan ear chamber with an ear opening dampening acoustics about amicrophone of a communication device. In a preferred embodiment, thedevice features electronics software on a printed circuit board (PCB),which measures the sound of a user's voice in decibels (dB) via amicrophone and creates an antiphase noise to cancel the sound of theuser's voice at substantially the exact same volume (dB) level as thespeaker's voice in substantially real-time (the best as the software caninterpret the speech sounds and create antiphase sound waves). In apreferred embodiment, the ear and anechoic chambers are configured forplacement so that the device lies along the mentocervical angle,mentocervical angle length, menton-subnasale length, bitragoin-subnasalearc, or bitragoin-menton arc of a user at a range of nineteen to twentythree degrees. Other embodiments may not incorporate these angles. Inuse, a mouth may be placed in the mouth opening to create asubstantially air-tight seal and position the mouth so that theacoustics of a communicative sound from the mouth are directed towardthe receiver portion of the communication device within the anechoicchamber. By allowing the specific ergonomic design of the mouth seal topush easily into the soft tissue of a user's face around the user'steeth, a substantially air-tight seal is created that does not hinderthe user's ideal pronunciation and intonation of verbs, adjectives,pronouns and other words. In a preferred embodiment, air from the user'sbreath during speech is directed through the anechoic channel forimproved acoustic absorption and microphone sound pick-up. The result isvoice communication being contained within the anechoic chamber of thedevice for maintaining privacy of the phone conversation.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to fit securely over the ear andmouth of a user, without breaking the air tight seal between the mouthopening and mouth of a user and the seal between the ear opening and theear of a user. Suitably, this is accomplished via positioning theapparatus at a metocervical angle in a range of fifteen and twenty fivedegrees relative to the face of a user. Other embodiments need notincorporate these angles. A preferable metocervical angle position forthe apparatus is about nineteen degrees for female users and abouttwenty three degrees for male users. These metocervical angle positionsresult in the appropriate ear to mouth engagement at an eighty-eighthpercentile relationship for both of the bitragion sub-nasale arc and thebitragion-menton arc anthropometric measurements. This insureseven/equal user pressure around the entire menton subnasale area (i.e.,direct contact area of the entire perimeter of the product's face soundseal) and the center of the ear.

It is yet a further objective of the invention to disclose a device thatworks in conjunction with a phone and provides a substantially air-tightchamber over a sound source while absorbing relatively all frequencyfields of speech from the sound source. In an alternative embodiment,the phone features: hollow chambers that reduce noise by allowingexpanding sound waves to be decelerated and cooled, allowing the soundwaves to be greatly reduced in velocity, which produces less noisesignature.

Finally, it is an object of the disclosure to describe a telephonehandset that features an antiphase/anti-noise speaker within an anechoicchamber so that noises provided therein can be combatted with antiphasenoises. In some embodiments, the antiphase/anti-noise speaker can be aDSP. In some embodiments, the headset is designed to include passive andactive noise cancelation of a user's voice. Suitably, the headset can beadjusted to fit an inclusive range of head dimensions comfortably, theheadsets may connect wirelessly to the user's phone to ensure cable freeoperation and communication.

Other objectives and desires may become apparent to one of skill in theart after reading the below disclosure and viewing the associatedfigures. Also, these and other embodiments will become apparent from thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilledin the art once the invention has been shown and described. The mannerin which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can beobtained is explained in the following description and attached figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anechoic device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with a blow-outdepicting the sound reflecting surface contours of the device;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an apparatus for ensuring the privacy andclarity of communications over communication devices;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the shell of the device showing isolatedanechoic chambers separate from the electric components;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of a side wall of an anechoic chamber;

FIG. 6 is an environmental view of the device;

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of a device;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a right-side view of the device of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a left-side view of the device of FIGS. 7 through 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the device of FIGS. 7 through 10;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the operations of the device of FIG. 7through 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a headset;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a headset;

FIG. 15 is a top cross-section view of a headset;

FIG. 16 is an isometric, left view of a headset 1000 on a human head2000;

FIG. 17 is an isometric, left view of the headset 1000 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an isometric, right view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 and17 on the human head 2000 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an isometric, right view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 19;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 20 in afolded configuration;

FIG. 22 is an internal right-side view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 21;

FIG. 23A is an internal backside view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 22;

FIG. 23B is a see-through internal backside view of the headset 1000 ofFIGS. 16 through 22;

FIG. 24 is an internal back view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through23B;

FIG. 25 is an internal front view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 24; and,

FIG. 26 is a cross-section of a mouth portion of the headset 1000 OfFIGS. 16 through 26;

FIG. 27A is a block diagram for a system of enabling or disabling acommunication device;

FIG. 27B is a schematic of the WRC;

FIG. 27C is a schematic of the ORC;

FIG. 27D is a schematic of the Quietphone™ as it pertains todisable/enable functionality; and,

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an airplane passenger fuselage and anillustration of the disclosed enable/disable feature of a communicationdevice.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by thosereasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are notnecessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide an air-tight chamberover a sound source while trapping, containing, absorbing, directing anddeflecting all fields of sounds from the sound source (e.g., the mouthof a human or a woodwind instrument). In general, the devices feature: aspecialized anechoic chamber that is configured to receive a soundsource in an air-tight manner; and a specialized anechoic channel thatis in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. Suitably, theanechoic chamber is adapted to capture air containing sound energygenerated by the sound source, and distribute the air about an internalsurface area on the inside of the chamber, wherein the internal surfacearea is sufficiently large to dampen or otherwise absorb the soundsenergy. Preferably, the air is directed from the anechoic chamberthrough an anechoic tubular channel extending therefrom to the ambientto further dampen or absorb the sound energy. In one configuration, theouter wall of the apparatus is configured to reflect ambient sounds. Themore specific details of the preferred embodiment are disclosed inconnection with the figures.

By allowing the specific ergonomic design of the mouth seal to pusheasily into the soft tissue of a user's face around the user's teeth, asubstantially air-tight seal is created that does not hinder the user'sideal pronunciation and intonation of verbs adjectives, pronouns andother words easily without stress on the areas of the lips used forpronunciation. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to fit securelyover the ear and mouth of a user, without breaking the air tight sealbetween the mouth opening and mouth of a user and the seal between theear opening and the ear of a user. Suitably, this is accomplished viapositioning the apparatus at a metocervical angle in a range of fifteenand twenty five degrees relative to the face of a user. A preferablementocervical angle position for the apparatus is about nineteen degreesfor female users and about twenty three degrees for male users. Thesemetocervical angle positions result in the appropriate ear to mouthengagement at an eighty-eighth percentile relationship for both of thebitragion sub-nasale arc and the bitragion-menton arc measurements. Thisinsures even/equal user pressure around the entire menton subnasale area(i.e., direct contact area of the entire perimeter of the product's facesound seal) and the center of the ear.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 1000 for maintaining theprivacy and clarity of communications made over a communication device.As shown, the apparatus 1000 is generally in the shape of a telephonehandset and defined by: (1) an anechoic chamber 1100 with a mouthopening 1110 for engaging a mouth of a user; (2) a handle 1200; and, (3)an ear chamber 1300 with an ear opening 1310 for engaging the ear of auser.

As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 1200 is generally curved wherein: ananechoic chamber 1100 is generally positioned at the lower end of thehandle 1200; and the ear chamber 1300 is positioned at an upper end ofthe handle. Both the anechoic chamber 1100 and the ear chamber 1300generally define basins at either end of the handle 1000. Thespecifically designed anechoic chamber 1100 preferably features contours1130 on its inner walls and cushioning 1140 around the lip of the mouthopening. Similarly, the ear chamber features cushioning 1330 around thelip of the ear opening 1310. Finally, the handle 1200 is configured witha curve so that it can be gripped by the hand of a user while the earand anechoic chambers are simultaneously positioned over the ear andmouth. In a preferred embodiment, the handle has a curvature and shapeof a banana fruit for the ergonomic use and comfort of a user. Althoughnot shown, the handle 1200 may further feature grips to assist userswith arthritis afflictions in holding the apparatus 1000.

As discussed in greater detail below, the apparatus 1000 is designed toreceive and transmit telephone communications from and to acommunication device (e.g., wirelessly via Bluetooth® type technology)or wired communication device (e.g., landline phone) and generally beoperated in the manner of a telephone handset. For this reason, FIG. 1depicts an air inlet 1120 within the anechoic chamber 1100. As discussedin greater detail below, the vent 1120 suitably features a triple layerair seal design that blocks ambient sounds from entering the anechoicchambers during a user's speech and that easily flexes under a negativepressure within the chamber 1100 to allow sufficient air into thechamber 1100 during speech. In other words, the vent 1120 makes it sothe user does not have to pull away from the apparatus 1000 to breatheduring use. Also depicted are (a) phone controls 1210 (e.g., volume andaccept or decline buttons, hold button, or mute speaker button) on thehandle 1200, power ports 1220 on the handle 1200, an audio port 1230(e.g., for receiving a headphone jack), and speaker holes 1320 withinthe ear chamber 1300. In a preferred embodiment, the phone controls 1210include a hold or mute button that will allow the user essentially turnoff the phone when not engaged against the user's face to shield thelistening party from the ambient noise or discussion of the user.

FIG. 2 is a recreation of the perspective view of the apparatus 1000FIG. 1, with an additional blow-out view to illustrate the externalsurface of the apparatus 1000. As shown in the blow-out view, theexternal surface of the apparatus is defined by a hex-skin or aplurality of hexagonal tiles positioned in an array over the surface ofthe apparatus 1000. In a preferred embodiment, each hexagon defines aplane or face for reflecting ambient sound energy, wherein each plane orface is angled on a lightly different angle relative to the plane of anyadjacent hexagon within the skin. This angular offset from polygonalshapes results in ambient sound deflection to maintain the quality ofsounds within the apparatus. Suitably, this angular offset weakens theambient sound's intensity by not allowing sound energy to focus on aspecific area on the surface of the outside of the anechoic chamber1100. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of each hexagon iscontoured to further disrupt ambient sounds via minimal absorption anddeflection so that large focused sound energy cannot enter the anechoicchamber. Other polygonal patterns may be integrated.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sections of the apparatus 1000 depicted inFIG. 1. These cross-sections are intended to illustrate the interiorworkings of the claimed device. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates theinner workings of the sound trapping, containing, absorbing, directingand deflecting components of the apparatus 1000 and FIG. 4 illustratesthe electrical components for telephonic communications. Referring toboth FIGS. 3 and 4, the phone electronics are, (apart from a microphone1270) disposed within the acoustic chamber, and preferably isolated fromsound absorbing components to ensure the sound components create asubstantially or completely air-tight environment. As noted below ingreater detail, the vent 1120 (FIG. 3) is positioned relative to themicrophone 1270 (FIG. 4) so that flowing air upon fresh air-intake doesnot cause interference with the microphone 1270. Additionally, the vent1120 should be flush with the external surface and positioned in themiddle of the apparatus 1000 so that, when facing sound, the vent doesnot provide energy that may be reflected.

Referring first to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, sound may be captured and/orabsorbed or directed from the flow of air caused by speech during use ofthe apparatus 1000. In a preferred embodiment, sound energy 1 iscaptured or absorbed via the anechoic chamber 1100 and the anechoicchannel 1250 disposed within the handle 1200. Suitably, the anechoicchamber 1100 is adapted to capture air 2 containing sound energygenerated by a sound source (not shown), and distribute the air 2 overthe inner surface of the chamber 1100 and through the anechoic channel1250 (i.e., the channel 1250 provides fluid communication between theanechoic chamber 1100 and the ambient). The amount of air 2 being passedover the vocal cords is directly proportionate to voice sound volume.

Still referring to the same figures, the anechoic chamber 1100 featuresa vent 1120. The vent 1120 is provided so that (a) air may be suppliedto the user without disengaging the device from the users face mouth andear whereby a substantially air-tight seal may remain between theanechoic chamber 1100 and a user's face. The vent 1120 opens undernegative pressure within the chamber. The vent 1120 closes under thepositive pressure caused by a sound source within the chamber 1100. Thisinlet preferably allows air 2 to pass into the anechoic chamber 1100. Ina preferred embodiment, the inlet is defined by a vent 1120 with triplerubber flex valves in a naturally closed position. The triple valveprovides ambient sound insulation/shielding during speech. The rubberflex values easily open when a breath of fresh air is needed to breathewhile speaking. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 1, the anechoic chamber 1100features contours 1130 for increasing the surface area of its internalsidewalls. Preferably, these peak contours 1130 are a specific shape toenhance the absorption of low base megahertz frequencies. Furthersurface area is provided via placing small holes or pores in thecontours 1130. In the depicted embodiment those contours 1130 aredefined by wedges or ridges. Suitably, similar pored contours 1251 maybe provided to the inner walls of the anechoic channel 1250. As shown,the contours 1251 cooperate to guide energized air (energized with nearfield sound energy that was not absorbed or contained in the anechoicchamber 1100) over its surface area and around corners to physicallymake the air lose sound wave energy. In a preferred embodiment, theanechoic chamber 1100 and channel 1250 is provided with an air vent 1252through the handle 1200 so that air that has been de-energized of soundenergy may be exhausted to the ambient atmosphere. As shown, theexhausted air 2 from the vent 1252 is directed away from the ear chamber1300 so that if any sound energy remains in the air, the remnant energywill be directed away from the ear chamber 1300 (FIG. 1) and itsspeaker.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the sidewalls of the anechoic chamber1100 and anechoic channel 1250 are configured to trap, contain, absorb,direct, and deflect sound energy from air that contacts its surfacearea. For this purpose, the sidewalls of the anechoic chamber 1100 andchannel 1250, the sidewalls are constructed of dense open cell acousticfoam for maximum energy absorption and dissipation. When air containslarge amounts of sound energy, some of that energy will inevitablypropagate through materials designed to absorb the energy andpotentially be released to the ambient atmosphere. In view of this fact,the sidewalls preferably feature layers with various acousticalproperties (including energy densities) for further sound absorption andreflection of sound energy back toward the inside of the anechoicchamber 1200 and the user's face. These layers are depicted in FIG. 5,which is a cross section of a typical sidewall.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 3, the inner walls of the anechoic chamber 1100and the anechoic channel 1250 are suitably constructed in layers. Asshown in FIG. 5: a first layer 1252 may be defined by an anti-microbialsound absorbent coating to maximize bass dampening while not allowingthe surfaces in contact with the users salvia to become ridden withbacteria; a second layer 1253 comprised of dense open cell acoustic foamdefining the pored contours 1130 and 1251 of the chamber 1100 andchannel 1250; a third layer 1254 for defined by a composite (e.g.,modeling clay that will not shrink or dry always staying permeable) orfoil/metal (e.g., aluminum foil or light gauge sheet metal) forabsorbing, deflecting and reflecting energy back to within the anechoicchamber and thru to the channel up to the exhaust; a fourth layer 1255of dense open cell acoustic foam; a fifth layer 1256 of a composite orfoil/metal or clay for absorbing and or reflecting energy; a sixth layer1257 of large, open cell plastic; and the outer shell of the apparatus1000. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, sound energy 5 is absorbed by thesecond layer 1253 and, if not, the energy 6 is reflected by the thirdlayer 1254. The second and third layers are important to functionbecause if energy is not adsorbed by the second layer 1253 it isreflected by the third layer 1254. The configuration of functionalspecific layers of coatings, open cell foam, sheet metal, modeling clay,rubber layers is specifically designed to absorb, contain, reflect anddirect the different ranges of frequencies/wavelengths of the soundwaves from and male and female speaking, singing and playing a musicalinstrument, and therefore the combination of these layers, or sets oflayers (example: modeling clay backed by thin metal), work to maximizeall sound energy absorption and prevent the sound energy from escapingthe device.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the upper portion of the handle 1200 features ahousing 1260 for retaining the electronics that enable the apparatus tobe used in the manner of a telephone handset. This housing 1260 furtherallows for sound vibration isolation from the anechoic chambers 1100 andsub assembly for manufacturing. This configuration allows the anechoicchamber 1100 to be easily assembled in a substantially air tight manner,which may be important to operation of the device. The electronicseparation is also needed to direct and expel the electronic heat fromthe device. As shown, the housing 1260 retains a battery 1261, a mothercircuit board 1262 that is electrically coupled to the phone controls1210 (including volume controls, on/off controls, and hold microphonebutton controls), a speaker 1263, a microphone 1270 that is specificallydesigned to function in a positive air pressure environment, and areceiver/transmitter 1264 (e.g., Bluetooth®) (which may be coupled tothe mother circuit board 1262 for receiving and transmittingcommunications to and from a device (e.g., cell phone, two way radio, orhome phone). To vent the naturally occurring build-up of heat fromelectronic operations, the housing 1260 is outfitted with a vent 1280for venting heat from the housing 1260. This isolated vent 1280 alsoallows the devices audio speaker to naturally flex its speaker membranefor clear sound amplification. These phone electronics are configured tooperate in the manner of a Bluetooth® or other wireless headset formobile, home, or office communication devices. The jack 1230 ispreferably a 3.5 mm industry standard headphone jack so the device canbe wired (linked) to a cell phone without bluetooth. In suchconfigurations the blue tooth components will either be off or notlocated in the device. As shown, the microphone 1270 is positionedwithin the anechoic chamber from the housing 1260 so that no salviagenerally comes in contact with the users “salvia spray” while speaking.The microphone 1270 is also positioned so air from the intake will notcause “noise” air flow interference from incoming air when the userbreathes. Suitably, the microphone 1270 is configured for use within apressurized chamber and with an air tight seal between the anechoicchamber 1100 and the housing 1260. In other words, the microphone 1270is specifically designed to function in a positive air pressureenvironment. The microphone 1270 may preferably be passed through ahousing 1260 via opening 1291 (see FIG. 3). Again, this specificposition allows for isolation from the majority of the sound vibrationsand also to aid in sub manufacturing assembles. Finally, weights 1271and 1272 may be positioned at the upper and lower portions of theapparatus 1000 for balance.

As alluded to above, the apparatus 1000 is designed to be operated inthe manner of a telephone handset. FIG. 6 shows an environmental view ofthe apparatus 1000 in operation. As shown, the apparatus 1000 isoperated via placing (1) the mouth opening 1110 securely over the mouthof a user so that the cushioning 1140 or flexible rubber seal of thedevice 1000 is firmly and comfortably positioned around the mouth of theuser and (2) the ear opening 1310 over the ear of a user so that thecushioning 1330 is firmly positioned around or over the ear of a user.Suitably, the anechoic chamber cushioning 1140 or flexible rubber sealis configured to act as an air-tight gasket between the interface of themouth and anechoic chamber 1100. In one embodiment, the cushioning maybe removable, disposable, and replaceable to avoid build-up of dirt,bacteria and other substances that may accumulate during use. FIG. 13illustrates the positioning of the device 1000 over the mouth. Suitably,the mouth opening is generally mouth shaped and curved so that it may bepressed around the mouth of a user and into the soft tissue 5000 (thearea indicated by dashed lines) of the face. In a preferred embodiment,the mouth opening must engage the soft tissue of the face so that themouth piece pushes softly into the face without interfering with thelips so the user has no difficulties speaking and singing normally. Thisengagement creates a substantially air-tight seal around the mouth of auser and allows the ear chamber 1300 to be properly positioned over theear. The ear chamber 1300 cushioning 1330 is configured to act as agasket between the interface of the ear and ear chamber 1200.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to fit securely over the ear andmouth of a user, without breaking the air tight seal between the mouthopening 1110 and mouth of a user and the seal between the ear opening1310 and the ear of a user. Suitably, this is accomplished viapositioning the apparatus at a metocervical angle in a range of fifteenand twenty five degrees relative to the face of a user. Otherembodiments need not incorporate these angles. A preferable metocervicalangle position for the apparatus is about nineteen degrees for femaleusers and about twenty three degrees for male users. These metocervicalangle positions result in the appropriate ear to mouth engagement at aneighty-eighth percentile relationship for both of the bitragoinsub-nasal arc and the bitragion-menton arc anthropometric measurements.This insures even/equal user pressure around the entire menton subnasalearea (i.e., direct contact area of the entire perimeter of the product'sface sound seal) and the center of the ear.

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of a device 1000. FIG. 8 isa rear view of the device 1000. FIG. 9 is a right-side view of thedevice 1000. FIG. 10 is a left-side view of the device 1000. This device1000 differs from embodiments of the device shown in FIGS. 1 through 6in two meaningful ways. First, the device 1000 of FIGS. 7 through 10features an improved notification light 2000 to alert a user to thestatus of the device 1000. Second, the device 1000 of FIGS. 23 through26 features active noise control or active noise cancelation means (“ANCmeans”) 1270 inside of the device 1000. Said means 1270 includes a soundsource (like an antiphase/anti-noise speaker) for the addition of soundspecifically designed to cancel noise presented within the anechoicchamber 1100.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the device of FIGS. 7 through 10. FIG. 11shows the internal placement of the ANC means 1270 and the light 2000within the device 1000. As shown, the ANC means is electrically coupledto the coupled to the printed circuit board of the device 1000 so thatit is positioned within the anechoic chamber 1100. The light 2000features a light source and is also electrically coupled to the PCB ofthe device 1000.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the operations of the device 1000. Asshown, ANC means 1270 are provided to the device 1000. Said means 1270include a sound source for the addition of sound specifically designedto cancel noise outside of the anechoic chamber. Preferably, the ANCmeans 1270 reduces unwanted sound by the addition of a second soundwithin said anechoic chamber 1100. Suitably, the anechoic chambers areadapted to capture air containing sound energy generated by the soundsource (e.g., human voice), and distribute the air about internalanechoic acoustical surface areas on the inside of the chambers, whereinthe internal surface areas are maximized and sufficiently large todampen or otherwise absorb the sound energy. The amount of sound energyabsorbed by the anechoic chambers can be reduced via the presence of anANC means (like an antiphase/anti-noise speaker) for reducing the soundenergy in the captured air by providing the addition of a second soundto within the anechoic chamber. Placement of a user's face inside thesealed area also acts to absorb sound waves in the anechoic chamber. Ina preferred embodiment, the device features electronics software on aprinted circuit board (PCB) which measures the sound of a user's voicevia a microphone and creates an antiphase noise to cancel the sound ofthe user's voice in substantially real-time (the best as the softwarecan interpret the speech sounds and create antiphase sound waves). In apreferred embodiment, the ear and anechoic chambers are configured forplacement so that the device lies along the mentocervical angle,mentocervical angle length, menton-subnasale length, bitragoin-subnasalearc, or bitragoin-menton arc of a user at a range of nineteen to twentythree degrees. Other embodiments may not incorporate these angles. Inuse, a mouth may be placed in the mouth opening to create asubstantially air-tight seal and position the mouth so that theacoustics of a communicative sound from the mouth are directed towardthe receiver portion of the communication device within the anechoicchamber. By allowing the specific ergonomic design of the mouth seal topush easily into the soft tissue of a user's face around the user'steeth, a substantially air-tight seal is created that does not hinderthe user's ideal pronunciation and intonation of verbs adjectives,pronouns and other words easily without stress on the areas of the lipsused for pronunciation. In a preferred embodiment, air from the user'sbreath during speech is directed through the anechoic channel forimproved acoustic absorption and microphone sound pick-up. The result isvoice communication being contained within the anechoic chamber of thedevice for maintaining privacy of the phone conversation.

Further disclosed, in general, are devices that provide a substantiallyactive noise canceling area over a sound source by causing disruptiveinterference to all frequency fields of speech sounds from the soundsource. In some embodiments, active noise control or active noisecancelation means (“ANC means”) are provided to the device. Said meansinclude one or more active noise canceling speakers for the addition ofsound specifically designed to cancel noise from the speech soundsource. In general, the devices feature: ANC means that are configuredto destructively interfere with a sound source by the addition of anantiphasesound in an area around the sound source; a support arm forsupporting the ANC means proximate to the sound source. Suitably, theANC means are adapted to destructively interfere with sound energygenerated by the sound source (e.g., human voice), and substantiallycancel the sound energy. The amount of sound energy can be reduced viathe presence of an ANC means (like an antiphase/anti-noise speaker) forreducing the sound energy. In one configuration, the apparatus featuresan ear sealed chamber coupled to the support arm and positioned over auser's ear to keep ambient sounds out of a user's ear.

The disclosed devices may provide a substantially active noise cancelingarea over a sound source by causing disruptive interference to allmegahertz frequency fields of communicative sounds by male and femalespeakers. In one embodiment, the device is defined by: a plurality ofANC means antiphase/anti-noise speakers) disposed about a receiverportion of a communication device; a support arm for the ANC means andreceiver portion; and an ear chamber with an ear opening dampeningacoustics about a microphone of a communication device. In a preferredembodiment, the device features electronics software on a printedcircuit board (PCB), which measures the sound of a user's voice via amicrophone and creates an antiphase noise to cancel the sound of theuser's voice in substantially real-time (the best as the software caninterpret the speech sounds and create antiphase sound waves). In apreferred embodiment, the ear and mouthpiece are configured forplacement so that the device lies along the mentocervical angle,mentocervical angle length, mentonsubnasale length, bitragoin-subnasalearc, or bitragoin-menton arc of a user at a range of nineteen 5 totwenty three degrees. Other embodiments may not incorporate theseangles. In use, a mouth may be placed adjacent to the ANC means andreceiver portion to position the components in front of the mouth sothat the acoustics of a communicative sound from the mouth are directedtoward the receiver portion of the communication device. In a preferredembodiment, air from the user's breath during speech is directed throughanti-phase noise created by the ANC means after interaction with thereceiver portion of the device for improved acoustic absorption andmicrophone sound pick-up. The result is voice communication being noisecanceled after pickup by the receiver for maintaining privacy of thephone conversation.

FIG. 12 is also an illustration of the operations of the device 1000. Asshown, ANC means 1270 are provided to the device 1000 around themouthpiece 1200. Said means 1270 include a sound source for the additionof sound specifically designed to cancel noise outside of the anechoicchamber. Preferably, the ANC means 1270 reduces unwanted sound by theaddition of antiphase sound around the mouth of a user. Suitably, themouth piece 1200 is adapted to detect air containing sound energygenerated by the sound source (e.g., human voice), and distribute theantiphase sounds to destructively interfere or otherwise cancel thesound energy. In a preferred embodiment, the device features electronicssoftware on a printed circuit board (PCB) which measures the sound of auser's voice via a microphone and creates an antiphase noise to cancelthe sound of the user's voice in substantially real-time (the best asthe software can interpret the speech sounds and create antiphase soundwaves). In a preferred embodiment, the ear and mouth pieces areconfigured for placement so that the device lies along the mentocervicalangle, mentocervical angle length, menton-subnasale length,bitragoin-subnasale arc, or bitragoin-menton arc of a user at a range ofnineteen to twenty three degrees.

FIG. 13 is a front and environmental view of another embodiment of adevice 1000. FIG. 14 is a top and environmental view of the device 1000.FIG. 15 is a cross-section of the device 1000. As shown, the device 1000of FIGS. 13 through 15 features active noise control or an active noisecancelation mouthpiece 1200, a support arm 1100, and an ear piece 1300.Suitably, the mouth piece 1200 features at least one (“ANC means”) 1270on its periphery and a microphone 1280 plus receiver 1281 directedtoward a user's mouth (See FIG. 32). Said ANC means 1270 includes asound source (like an antiphase/anti-noise speaker) for the addition ofsound specifically designed 5 to cancel noise presented toward thereceiver 1280. In operation, the mouthpiece picks-up voice sounds fromthe user via the microphone 1280 plus receiver 1281 and projects anactive noise canceling area 4000 (show in broken lines) around theuser's mouth 3000 via projecting antiphase noise (shown as crisscrossinglines 3100) in all 10 directions from the ANC means 1270 todestructively interfere with any voice sounds produced from the user'smouth. In this manner, the antiphase sound waves operate as a soundwave“wall” in the area around the mouth and in a matching volume level tocancel sound energy from the sound source (i.e., the human voice).Suitably, once the anti-noise/anti phase speaker sound waves hit theuser's face, the residual sound, not noise canceled, becomes absorbed bythe user's face with the reverberant energy reflecting off at a highlydiminished decibel level.

FIG. 15 is a cross section of the device of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows theinternal placement of the ANC means 1270 and other components within thedevice 1000. The support arm 1100 features a housing 1260 for retainingthe electronics that enable the apparatus to be used in the manner of atelephone headset. As shown, the ANC means is electrically coupled tothe printed circuit board 1150 of the device 1000 that is positionedwithin the support arm 1100 of the device. The positioning of theelectronics in the arm 1100 5 is convenient to direct and expel theelectronic heat from the device. As shown, the arm 1100 retains abattery 1161, a mother circuit board 1150 that is electrically coupledto the phone controls 1110 (including volume controls, on/off controls,and hold microphone button controls), a speaker 1263, an ambient sensing10 microphone 1265, a microphone 1280 that is specifically designed tofunction in a positive air pressure environment, and areceiver/transmitter 1281 (e.g., Bluetooth®) (which may be coupled tothe mother circuit board 1150 for receiving and transmittingcommunications to and from a device (e.g., cell phone, two way radio, orhome phone). These phone electronics are configured to operate in themanner of a Bluetooth® or other wireless headset for mobile, home, oroffice communication devices. In such configurations the blue toothcomponents will either be off or not located in the device. Themicrophone 1280 is also positioned so air from the intake will not cause“noise” air flow interference from incoming air when the user breathes.Suitably, the microphone 1280 is specifically designed to function in apositive air pressure environment.

Yet another embodiment of this disclosure may be a telephone headsetthat features an antiphase/anti-noise speaker within an anechoic chamberso that noises provided therein can be combatted with antiphase noises.In some embodiment, the antiphase/anti-noise speaker can be a DSP. Insome embodiments, the headset is designed to include passive and activenoise cancelation of a use's voice. Suitably, the headset can beadjusted to fit an inclusive range of head dimensions comfortably, theheadsets may connect wirelessly to the user's phone to ensure cable freeoperation and communication.

FIG. 16 is an isometric, left view of a headset 1000 on a human head2000. FIG. 17 is an isometric, left view of the headset 1000 of FIG. 16.FIG. 18 is an isometric, right view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 and17 on the human head 2000 of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is an isometric, rightview of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 18. FIG. 20 is a top viewof the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 19. As shown, the headset 1000externally comprises:

a rear cover 1010;

selection buttons 1020;

rear adjustment dial 1030;

notification LEDs 1040;

a mouth section adjustment dial 1050;

a switchable ear mount 1100;

switchable ear mount replacement screws 1110;

an inside ear hanger 1150;

an ear cushion 1160;

a mouth section cover 1200;

a mouth seal ring 1210;

a Helmholtz vent 1300;

a speaker 1400;

a right hinge 1500;

a left hinge 1600; and,

a headset hinge 1700.

As shown in FIGS. 16 through 20, the headset 1000 may be worn on thehead of a wearer so that the mouth seal ring 1210 is positioned over auser's 2000 mouth while the ear cushion 1160 and speaker 1400 arepositioned against the user's 2000 ear. In one embodiment, the earcushion 1160 provides a comfortable seal around the user's 2000 earduring use. The ear cushion 1160 also dampens ambient noise. The mouthseal ring 1210 suitably is configured to make contact with the user'sface 100 at an angle perpendicular to the mouth opening while sealingcomfortably to soft tissue around the mouth while the user is talking.In one embodiment, the seal around the mouth by the mouth piece 1210 issimilar to the seal of a scuba diver's facemask around the eyes of awearer. As discussed in detail below, the mouthpiece 1210 may movetoward or away from the user's mouth by the adjustment dial 1050. Theheadset features a shell for enclosing electrical components. Suitably,the shell is defined by a rear cover 1010 and a mouth section cover.

Suitably, the headset 1000 may be positioned over the ears of a wearer2000 by ear hangers 1150. Suitably, ear hangers are reversible so thatthe ear cushion 1160 and speaker 1400 may be positioned over the left orright ears of a wearer 2000. As shown, the headset 1000 is over theright ear of a wearer 2000 but the same could be worn over the right earby (a) swapping out the switchable ear mount 1100 by removing the screws1110 and flipping the wear mount 1100 relative to the headset 100; and(b) flipping the inside ear hanger 1150 relative to the headset 1000. Ina preferred embodiment, the left and right ear hangers 1150 are sized tofit comfortably behind the ear of a wearer 2000. Suitably, the earhangers 1150 support the mass of the headset 1000 on the wearer's 2000ears as well as applying pressure to the sides of the wearer's 2000head. The mouth section of the device 1000 suitably features a Helmholtzvent 1300 defined by slot in the cover where exhaust gasses and soundpressure may exit the device. Suitably, the vent 1300 may contribute tothe overall aesthetics of the headset 1000.

Still referring to FIGS. 16 through 20, the headset 1000 may be worn onthe head of a user 2000. In a preferred embodiment, the ear cushion 1160and mouth pieces 1210 are configured for placement so that the device1000 lies along the mentocervical angle, mentocervical angle length,menton-subnasale length, bitragoin-subnasale arc, or bitragoin-mentonarc of a user at a range of nineteen to twenty three degrees. To assistin proper sizing, the rear adjustment dial 1030 may be turned to adjustthe width of the device as measured between the two ear hangers 1150.Suitably, the rear adjustment dial 1030 adjusts the left to right widthof the headset 1000 as well as the level of pressure exerted by theheadset 1000 on a user's head 2000. Suitably, the movement of theheadset 1000 relative to the head 2000 may be minimized during use ofthe headset 1000. To further assist in proper sizing the depth of thedevice measured from mouth piece 1210 to the back of the device 1000 maybe adjusted by the mouth section adjustment dial 1050. Suitably, themouth adjustment dial 1050 adjusts the font to back length of theheadset 1000 as well as the distance from and level of pressure exertedby the mouthpiece 1210 on the user's face 2000. The adjustment wheel andother dials 1030/1050 may suitably be accessible through the bottom andtop of the headset so that it can be gripped on both sides during use.In a preferred embodiment the dial 1030/1050 has deep ridges around theradius to ensure tactical feedback for ease of use while the headset ison the user's head because the dial 1030/1050 is out of view. Suitably,the adjustment dials 1030/1050 are designed to allow the headset 1000 tobe adjusted to fit a range from a first percentile female head to a 99percentile male head based on available anthropometric data.

In a preferred embodiment, the headset 1000 does not go over the head2000 like traditional headphones in order to avoid the influence thatflexing of the temples during speech may have on the function of themouth seal 1210 and quality of sound cancelation. Suitably, the dials1030/1050 may expand and contract the rear and side sections of theheadset.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 20 in afolded configuration. Suitably, the headset 1000 may be consideredcollapsible wherein the device 1000 may be folded on itself around theheadset hinge 1700. Suitably, the speaker 1400 is provided at the pivotpoint to allow for continuous use of the headset in a folded position.Suitably, the headset hinge 1700 allows the headset to fold in half forcompact storage. The hinge 1700 further enables the user 2000 to rotatethe front of the headset 1000 over their head 2000 and out of the way oftheir mouth when the mouthpiece 1210 is not in use. Suitably, the hinge1700 pivots around the speaker 1400 and ear cushion 1160 to ensure thatthe speaker 1400 and ear cushion 1160 remain in a correct position whilethe headset 1000 is in a folded configuration. The headset 1000 hinge1700 is able to stop incrementally throughout its 180 degree rotationalrange of motion. Suitably, the stop increments can include, but shouldnot be limited to, 90 degrees for comfortable positioning of themouthpiece 1210 over the user's 2000 head when the mouthpiece 1210 isnot in use as well as at 180 degrees for storage. To further assist inthe collapsibility of the headset 1000, the ear hangers 1150 areprovided with hinges 1500, 1600 so that the hangers 1150 may be foldedto minimize headset 1000 size during storage. The left hinge 1500suitably enables the hangers 1150 to fold backward to minimize sizeduring storage. In a preferred embodiment, the left hinge 1500 range ofmotion does not enable the left ear hanger 1150 to contact the headset100 while it is in the folded position and stops in the extendedposition when the left ear hanger 1150 is in line with the user's head2000. The right hinge 1600 also may suitably fold backward relative tothe headset 1000. The right hinge 1600 range of motion does not allowthe right ear hanger 1150 to contact the headset 1000 when in its foldedposition and stops in the extended position whenever the right earhanger 1150 is in line with the user's head 2000.

FIG. 22 is an internal right-side view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 21 with the mouth cover 1200 and rear cover 1010 removed. FIG.23A is an internal backside view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through21 with the mouth cover 1200 and rear cover 1010 removed. FIG. 23B is asee-through internal backside view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16through 21 with the mouth cover 1200 and rear cover 1010 removed. FIG.24 is an internal back view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 21with the mouth cover 1200 and rear cover 1010 removed. FIG. 25 is aninternal front view of the headset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 21 with themouth cover 1200 and rear cover 1010 removed. As shown, the deviceinternally comprises:

the hinge 1700 with a wire through-hole;

a circuit board 1800;

the side adjustment wheel 1050;

the rear adjustment wheel 1030;

a vibration motor 1800;

batteries 1850;

weights 1860;

small exciters 1870;

large exciters 1880; Helmholtz resonator 1890;

a microphone 1900; and,

acoustic dampeners 1910.

Referring to FIGS. 22 through 25, the headset 1000 features a circuitboard 1800. Suitably, the circuit board is curved to mature thecurvature of the headset 1000. In one embodiment, the circuit board 1800contains all the processing and control operation of the headset.Specifically, the circuit board controls the vibration motor 1250, thesmall exciters 1870, the large exciters 1880, and the light 1400, themicrophone 1900 and speaker 1400. Suitably, the control buttons 1210(FIGS. 16-21) may be used to control call functionality and settings,including call and phone controls. The LED lights 1400 may suitably beused to notify the user when the headset 1000 is worn, includingindications of phone actives such as incoming calls, Bluetoothconnection etc. The vibration motor 1250 may suitably be used to providesensory feedback for varying phone functions including but not limitedto incoming calls or call waiting. The small exciters 1870 may suitablybe used to produce white and pink noise to aid in active noise cancelingor masking of a user's voice and should be included in ANC means. Thelarge exciters 1880 are intended for active noise cancellation of theuser's voice including the cancelation of low frequency sound pressure.The microphone 1900 may be used to pick-up the voice during headset 1000use. As shown, the microphone 1900 may be positioned at the front of themouth and centered to incoming sounds from the mouth. As shown, a wireharness 1920 may be used to rout through the interior of the phone forenergy and data transfer. In a preferred embodiment, the electroniccomponents may be powered by batteries 1850. In one embodiment, thebatteries 1850 are sized to ensure extended use of the headset withoutthe need for charging or for power cables. In one embodiment thebatteries 1850 are positioned at the back of the headset 1000 so thatthe weight of the batteries 1850 can assist in balancing the headset1000. Other balancing weights 1860 may be positioned along the side ofthe headset 1000 for balanced weight distribution. Suitably, the hinge1700 may suitably feature a hole there through so that wires may beprovided between the speaker 1400 and circuit board 1800 withoutaffecting the collapsibility of the headset 1000. Also, the hole throughthe hinge allows the electrical components to be connected to thebatteries and circuit board 1800 while the headset 1000 is folded.Finally, the headset 1000 features a Helmholtz resonator 1890. Suitably,the Helmholtz resonator 1890 is designed to dampen sound pressureemitted by the users while talking. In a preferred embodiment, exhaledas is contained and passed through the tuned Helmholtz resonator 1890for treatment before being exhausted out of the phone via the vents1300.

FIG. 26 is a cross-section of a mouth portion of the headset 1000 OfFIGS. 16 through 23. Suitably, the mouth portion of the headset 1000features acoustic dampeners 1910. As shown, the dampeners 1910 aredefined by triangles or pyramids of sound absorbing material. Suitablythe dampeners 1910 are positioned in front of the user's mouth insidethe sound collection chamber 1210 of the headset 1000. The dampeners1910 are suitably part of the passive sound cancelation system to absorbmainly high frequency sound pressure. Suitably the chamber 1210 may beremovable for sanitation purposes.

As stated above, FIG. 26 is a cross-section of a mouth portion of theheadset 1000 of FIGS. 16 through 25 where the mouth portion of theheadset 1000 (FIGS. 16-25) features acoustic dampeners 1910 (FIGS.16-25). As shown, the dampeners 1910 (FIGS. 16-25) are defined bytriangles or pyramids of sound absorbing material. Similarly, FIGS. 1through 3 illustrate the sidewalls of the anechoic chamber 1100 (FIGS.1-3) and anechoic channel 1250 (FIGS. 1-3) are configured to trap,contain, absorb, direct, and deflect sound energy from air that contactsits surface area. For this purpose, the sidewalls of the anechoicchamber 1100 (FIGS. 1-3) and channel 1250 (FIGS. 1-3), the sidewalls arealso said to be defined by triangles or pyramids of sound absorbingmaterial. Other embodiments of the devices in the document's patentfamily are similarly described. Earlier embodiments of the inventioncontemplated metallic layers. Now, In a preferred embodiment, the soundabsorbing material used to construct any anechoic cup (e.g., the mouthportions with dampeners 1910 of FIG. 26) or anechoic chambers (e.g., theanechoic chamber 1100 of FIGS. 1-3) may suitably be constructed ofmetallic flake mixed into or with a sound attenuating or absorbingmaterial like, for example, silicone. Mixing metallic flake with a sounda sound attenuating or absorbing material is dubbed “metalizing” thematerial so that the material is “metallized.” Such materials can alsobe used to construct any secondary anechoic chambers or anechoicchannels.

Suitably, it has been discovered by the Applicant that loweringdurometer of materials (e.g., materials with a shore hardness scale of00) used in any primary or secondary anechoic chambers of acommunication devices increases sound wave absorption (register at00-11) and reduces reverberant energy (reflected sound) passing to thecommunication device's microphone. The preferred embodiment involvesmetalizing the anechoic components so the microphone is enabled to pickup the “stereo” effect of voice being reflected of the cup or sidewalls,similar to open air microphone environments where a person's voicebounces off walls, ceilings, etc. for the ear to pick up the voice soundin stereo for a higher intelligibility of the voice sounds. So, in apreferred embodiment, materials used for constructing anechoiccomponents (including dampeners and sidewalls) may be constructed ofmaterials mixed with metallic flake (e.g., 5 micron particle size). Inone embodiment, the material may be silicon mixed with metallic flake tocreate an anechoic component that is flexible and metalized. Thecomponents are flexible so that they can be removed from the device andplaced sterilized or otherwise cleaned after use. Suitably, liquidsilicone and metallic flake may be mixed and put in a mold or cast toconstruct the anechoic components. Preferably, the flake may bevulcanized to the silicone. A range of metallic flake size can beemployed. For example metallic flake in the range of 1 to 10 microns canbe used. However a flake of about 5 microns is preferable since largerflakes tend to sink to the bottom of a mold and smaller particles do notreflect enough light giving the anechoic components a dull appearance.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the disclosed technology includeactive noise control or active noise cancelation means, includingexciters. Typically, said means include a sound source for the additionof sound specifically designed to cancel noise from the user's mouth.Some embodiments may include computer hardware and memory withvoice-recognition software that is configured to receive a user's spokenvoice during a test conversation, analyze the voice for its hertzspectrums evident in the test conversation, and subsequently employ thedata during active noise cancelation. Suitably, this voice recognizednoise cancelation or active noise cancelation via voice algorithm can beused to actively noise cancel a user's voice in a manner that isspecifically tailored to the user by directing the sound source toprovide an inverted signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with theuser's actual voice. In one embodiment, the voice algorithm allows adigital CPU to anticipate the manner, (including tonality, rhythm, andcadence) of a user's speaking and predict an appropriately invertedsignal so that noise is substantially canceled.

The disclosed technology contemplates use of a communication device inpublic without a user's voice being overheard by the public. In certainsituations, public use of a communication device, even when theconversation is private, may not be appropriate. For example, duringtakeoff for an airplane or other mode of public transportation,communication devices may interfere with sensitive electronics of theairplane or other public use vehicle. So, a preferred embodiment of thedisclosed technology involves a system of enabling or disabling acommunication device. FIG. 27A is a block diagram for a system ofenabling or disabling a communication device that includes thetechnology of this patent family called Quietphone™. As shown, airplaneor other public transit vehicle may be outfitted with an on-plane remotecontroller (OCR) that is capable of disabling/disabling the electronicsof the Quietphone™ via communication with the microcontroller of theQuietphone™. Suitably, the OCR may be electively controllable by awearable remote controller (WRC) that is remote relative to theQuietphone™. Suitably, the WRC may be used to remotely enable or disablethe Quietphone™ via the ORC. In a preferred embodiment, the WRCcommunicates with the ORC via encrypted RF to Bluetooth toenable/disable Quietphone™ for use on all “public transportation”methods not including but not limited to airplanes, trains, subways,bus, and the like.

FIG. 27B is a schematic of the WRC. In a preferred embodiment, the WRCfeatures a power supply, an enable/disable button, a microcontrollerconnected to the power supply and that that features programming, awireless module connected to the power supply, a matching network and anantenna. FIG. 27C is a schematic of the ORC. As shown, the ORC featuresa power supply, an antenna plus a matching network for matching the OCRto the WRC, a wireless module coupled to the power supply and that maybe for communication to the WRC, a micro controller coupled to the powersupply and a keypad and that is programmed, a wireless module coupled tothe power supply and that may be for communication to the Quietphone™,and an antenna and matching network for matching the ORC to theQuietphone™. FIG. 27D is a schematic of the Quietphone™ as it pertainsto disable/enable functionality. As shown, the Quietphone™ features apower supply, an antenna with a matching network for matching theQuietphone™ to the ORC, a wireless module connected to the power supplyand that may be for communications between the Quietphone™ and the ORC,a micro controller and programming, and Bluetooth and other componentsfor coupling the Quietphone™ to a cellular phone or phone network.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an airplane passenger fuselage and anillustration of the disclosed enable/disable feature of a communicationdevice. As shown, an airplane passenger fuselage is provided. In oneembodiment, an RF encrypted transmitter ORC (shown on the right andrepresented by a twelve pointed star) may be provided at various points(e.g., front and back) in the fuselage to enable/disable a plurality ofQuietphones™ (represent by a five pointed star) having a microcontrollerto deactivate the power to a Bluetooth chipset of the Quietphones™ toprevent the communication via the device. Suitably, a flight attendant(represented by a cross) may have a WRC that communicates commands toenable or disable the phone to the ORC. Suitably, the WRC may be awearable device to enable/disable the Quietphones™. In one embodiment,the WRC device features a single control button that, when pressed for 2or more seconds, sends a wireless encrypted radio frequency (RF) signalto the on-plane ORCs to disable all the Quietphones™ in the airplanefuselage. In one mode of operation, the WRC may have a vibrationmechanism to alert all flight attendants when the ORC has been activatedto disable/enable the Quietphones™.

As shown on the right in FIG. 28, the WRC, in one embodiment, maysuitably include a keypad that may be operated by a flight attendant.The WRC may also preferably include an ISM RF encrypted transmitter withtwo operation modes: (1) when the right code is entered into the keypad, the RF encrypted transmitter sends an RF signal to disableQuietphones™ on-board and the same will be disabled while the signalremains active; (2) when a signal is detected from the WRC controller ofa flight attendant, the WRC sends a signal to (a) disable Quietphones™on-board and the same will be disabled while the signal remains activeand (b) the WRC controllers to vibrate while the signal remains active.Finally, the ORC suitably includes an RF encrypted wireless receptioncircuit that will receive the commands from the WRC and then decode andperform the enable/disable action on the Quietphones™. Suitably, theORC, once the enable/disable signal is received from the WRC, amicrocontroller in the Quietphones™ will deactivate the power to aBluetooth chipset of the Quietphones™ to prevent the communication viathe device. In one embodiment, the ISM module, located in theQuietphones™ circuit board is continuously looking for a coded messagefrom the WRC when the Quietphones™ is active.

Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but insteadmight be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more ofthe other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether ornot such embodiments are described and whether or not such features arepresented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadthand scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of theabove-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that mightbe available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use ofthe term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, might be combined ina single package or separately maintained and might further bedistributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporatedby reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

PAPER “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

We claim:
 1. A method of privately communicating comprising the stepsof: obtaining a telephone handset or headset comprising— a suppressor oranechoic chamber disposed at a first point of the handset or headset,said suppressor chamber featuring a mouth opening for engaging in amouth of a user, an ear chamber disposed at a second point of thehandset or headset with an ear opening for engaging the ear of a user;an on-phone controller; simultaneously engaging the mouth opening andear opening with a mouth and ear respectively; communicating via themouth so that air is captured via the suppressor chamber; employing awireless remote control to disable the telephone handset or headset viaan encrypted radio frequency signal communicated to the on-phonecontroller.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofvibrating the wireless control as a notification that the handset isdisabled.